Full Length ArticlePre-analytical effects of pneumatic tube system transport on routine haematology and coagulation tests, global coagulation assays and platelet function assays

- Most haematology parameters are not affected by PTS transport of blood samples.
- Platelet function can be assessed on blood samples transported by PTS.
- Samples for thrombin generation assay should not be transported by PTS.
- Each laboratory should evaluate their own PTS before using it in daily practice.

IntroductionPneumatic tube system (PTS) in hospitals is commonly used for the transport of blood samples to clinical laboratories, as it is rapid and cost-effective. The aim was to compare the effects on haematology samples of a newly acquired ~ 2 km-long PTS that links 2 hospitals with usual transport (non-pneumatic tube system, NPTS).MethodsComplete blood cell count, routine coagulation assays, platelet function tests (PFT) with light-transmission aggregometry and global coagulation assays including ROTEM® and thrombin generation assay (TGA) were performed on blood samples from 30 healthy volunteers and 9 healthy volunteers who agreed to take aspirin prior to blood sampling.ResultsThe turnaround time was reduced by 31% (p < 0.001) with the use of PTS. No statistically significant difference was observed for most routine haematology assays including PFT, and ROTEM® analysis. A statistically significant, but not clinically relevant, shortening of the APTT after sample transport by PTS was found (mean ± SD: 30 s ± 1.8 vs. 29.5 s ± 2.1 for NPTS). D-dimer levels were 7.4% higher after transport through PTS but were not discordant. A statistically significant increase of thrombin generation was found in both platelet poor- and platelet rich- plasma samples after PTS transport compared to NPTS transport.ConclusionPTS is suitable for the transport of samples prior to routine haematology assays including PFT, but should not be used for samples intended for thrombin generation measurement.